Posted by Oddzilla on August 15, 2000, at 18:32:33
In reply to Re: Social Security disability for depression, posted by Rhainy on August 14, 2000, at 16:20:39
Rhainy,
I'm sorry you're going through such a hard time.
This is a link to Dr. Ivan's tips for applying for SSDisability.http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.tips.html
This is a section of psychiatric disability links from the web and from the archives of Psychobabble.
http://www.egroups.com/links/psycho-babble-tips/Psychiatric_Disabili_000963331476/
It isn't necessary to have a lawyer to apply however you must be disabled at the time you apply and expect the disability to continue for a considerable time (I'm not sure how long).
If you are turned down after the first application it might be useful to have a lawyer at that point to appeal.It is possible to apply over the telephone. I would suggest you call the SS office locally and ask for information.
The procedure for SSI is somewhat different and I am not familiar with it. It is income based whereas SSD is not. It might be possible to qualify for it if you are disabled enough to limit your income but not enough to be totally disabled.
I'm very sorry about your father. Is he recieving hospice care? Sometimes they have counseling available for family members.
Do you have an Arthritis foundation where you live? Maybe they could help you find a good doctor.
I hope things will work out for you.
Oddzilla
> Nikki,
> I can understand Exactly where you are coming from...
>
> I was diagnosed with Degenerative Osteoarthritis and Severe Depression followed shortly after that diagnosis...I am only 38 and was told I would be in a wheelchair within about 10 years. Add to that, my Father (59) was diagnosed with terminal Cancer adn will most likely not live to see this Winter and the fact I am Morbidly Obese by medical stadards....
>
> > Have you or anyone ever tried going on Social Security disability for depression for awhile, getting intensive treatment and going back to work.
> > Thanks to everyone on this website. It makes me feel like I'm not so alone.
>
> I am also glad to have found this site and the knowledge I am not alone is very comforting.
>
> I have seriously considered applying for SSI because I am at the point where I cannot focus enough to work in my *usual and customary* work, which is as a Dispatcher. It has been terribly hard not being able to work and I have been also trying to find a good doctor during all of this.
>
> I have been on many Anti-Depressants, and tho they worked to a point, I had so many side affects which were *Totally* Unacceptable to me, I gave up on them.
>
> Now I need to find a Doctor who can see what can be done without meds and will work with me to get the SSI application pushed thru.
>
> Any ideas from anyone on how to go about this would be greatly appreciated.
>
> BLessings,
> Rhainy
poster:Oddzilla
thread:5320
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000811/msgs/42998.html